Keeping Pets Safe In The Spring

Tags

Like I said before, Spring is coming, I promise, and if you're a pet owner there are a few things to keep in mind while making adjustments in your life to get ready for the change in season.

1) Tinsel and eggs and chocolate, oh my! If you celebrate Easter then you probably look forward to the Easter basket treats that come along with it. Besides the obvious chocolate hazard, Tinsel is a cat's biggest tease, shimmering in the light, begging to be pawed around the floor, but the ASPCA admits that these tiny pieces of shimmer can block the digestive track leading to severe stomach problems. If you can't resist the urge to create a grassy padding for your Easter treats, make sure you keep the items up and out of the way when not under supervision. Speaking from experience, this is the better alternative to finding shiny pieces in the litter box.

2) Since we're talking about Easter… Lilies are toxic to cats and dogs. In addition, if your pets go outdoors, keep in mind that many outdoor plants are toxic to pets as well. The ASPCA provides a list of toxic plants here, along with other garden dangers: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-guide-pet-safe-gardening

3) Cleaning products can cause skin irritations for pets. I'm sure others can relate, but I cannot clean the bathroom without Ninja, my curious kitten, trying to be involved. I make sure to throw a toy and shut the door when mopping so he doesn't get his paws wet with any chemicals since he can lick his paws and ingest it. It is also a good idea to keep pets off of the carpets when any cleaners or fresheners are used. Make sure your powders are safe for pets, especially if will lie on the carpet, because it can irritate their skin.

4) Keep outdoor pets on leashes when near any streets. Spring erupts a sense of freedom in many of us, including our pets. Keep in mind that one squirrel, one flying ball or one dog walking across the street can trigger the urge for dogs to run into the road without being aware of their surroundings. If you're walking your pet or letting them outside to play near traffic, keep them on a leash until they can be safe within a fenced in area or an open field away from cars. A friend of mine asked me to post this one for sure since a dog ran in front of his car the other day causing him to slam on his brakes while the owner stood on the sidewalk frozen.

5) Spring can also mean fleas and ticks! Some people might think it is safe to take their pets off their flea medication for the winter months since their pets will only spend a limited time outside, but don't forget to talk to your vet about getting back on schedule, as fleas not only cause irritation to the animals but an ingested flea can lead to worms which is detrimental to your pets health. Even if your pet is not outside for long periods of time, the risk of getting fleas is still there and not worth the aggravation or money to rid fleas from your pets and your household.